How to Make Good Decisions

by Frame of MindFebruary 28, 2015

We’ve all been there. Maybe you’ve been offered a new career opportunity, or you’ve hit a snag in your relationship. Or perhaps you’re considering moving to a new city. It’s decision time, and it is one of the most difficult parts of being human. Thankfully, after years of helping clients make decisions that were best for them, coach Kim Ades has developed a no-fail test for whether your next big decision is the right one. She calls it the HEAL Protocol.

How the test works couldn’t be easier. If the result of your decision won’t meet the following four criteria, it is simply not a good decision.

Who knew making up your mind could be so easy? Here are the four things to consider:

1) Is it Healthy?
Will this be a healthy decision in the long run, on all fronts? We’re talking emotionally, spiritually, physically and mentally.

Are you thinking of staying up until 3am to catch up with friends? That’s fine. But doing that every night won’t be a healthy move.

Here’s another example: You live in New York City, you have been offered a promotion, and it would require a move to California. You assess the pros and cons. Maybe you’d have more outdoor time, you’d have an active and physical lifestyle, and you’d feel at peace mentally. So you could go ahead call this a healthy opportunity. When making a decision in terms of health, ask yourself, will this feelgood?

2) Is it Engaging?
Are you drawn in, interested, and will it light your fire? If it’s not something that you are really engaged in, but rather feel obliged (or obligated!) to do, it’s probably not the best option. If you’re considering a change that doesn’t spark your interest, it’s not going to be sustainable.

Going back to the “moving from NYC to CA” example, perhaps moving would create a new life that you love. If your job there would be engaging, if you have dynamic pre-existing relationships there, and if your lifestyle would be more exciting, it’s a go.

3) Is it in Alignment with who you are?
Does it resonate with your values and beliefs? Ask yourself what is truly important to you, and evaluate whether this decision will help you achieve it. Is this something you will regret doing (or not doing)?

For instance, if moving to a different city would mean doing what you love, and contributing your expertise to a company that’s important to you, you could say you are aligned with this decision.

4) Will it Lead you to your goals?
Will this decision move you forward to your goals and desires, or set you back? You may not realize it, but you have a subconscious list of desires and goals you want to achieve. Making the right decision can actually help you attain them.

You have been offered a career change and a move to California, and your list of goals includes achieving this job position and living in a warm climate. Sounds like jumping on this chance will lead you to your goals and desires.

Here’s the crux of it all: If you’re unable to check off all four criteria, something needs to change before this will be the right decision for you. Making the right decision should give you a sense of peace. When you make a decision, you should not feel at odds with yourself or torn up. You shouldn’t feel cognitive dissonance. It should be easy and feel right. You should feel connected and in a state of health, literally and on all fronts.